Arthur H. Davies

Dollmann

Davies suspects Dollmann of treason and spies on him, creating a tense adversarial dynamic.

Bartels

Davies and Bartels are allies who share information and assist each other in the investigation.

Carruthers

Davies and Carruthers are close friends and co-investigators, sharing a strong bond of trust.

Grimm

Davies and Grimm are opponents, with Grimm acting as an obstacle to Davies' mission.

Lieutenant X⸺

Davies and Lieutenant X⸺ have a brief, formal interaction related to naval intelligence matters.

Davis

Davies and Davis are friendly acquaintances who share a common interest in sailing and the investigation.

Dollmann

Davies suspects Dollmann of treason and spies on him, creating a tense adversarial dynamic.

Carruthers

Davies and Carruthers are close friends and co-investigators, sharing a strong bond of trust.

Bartels

Davies and Bartels are allies who share information and assist each other in the investigation.

Dollmann

Davies suspects Dollmann of treason and spies on him, creating a tense adversarial dynamic.

Grimm

Davies and Grimm are opponents, with Grimm acting as an obstacle to Davies' mission.

Bartels

Davies and Bartels are allies who share information and assist each other in the investigation.

The Riddle of the Sands

Carruthers' acquaintance who sends the mysterious letter inviting him to the Baltic for a yachting holiday.

The Letter

Old acquaintance who sends a letter inviting Carruthers on a yachting trip to Flensburg.

The Dulcibella

Meets Carruthers at the station, reveals he has no paid crew, and rows Carruthers out to the Dulcibella, showing him around the cramped cabin.

III: Davies

Davies is portrayed as a skilled but unpretentious sailor, indifferent to yachting etiquette, and deeply absorbed in the sea. His character is revealed through his actions and Carruthers' observations.

IV: Retrospect

Davies narrates his earlier cruise, showing reluctance to discuss perilous incidents and a tendency to deflect questions. He is protective of his guest's confidence and avoids boasting.

Wanted, a North Wind

Davies is preoccupied and passionate about naval history; he shows emotional response at the Alsen memorial and discusses war and wind with Carruthers.

Schlei Fjord

Teaches Carruthers sailing with intensity; shows moments of distraction and introspection; apologizes for his behavior and later seems preoccupied with thoughts of the North Sea.

VII: The Missing Page

Narrates his perilous solo sailing ordeal and his subsequent meeting with Dollmann.

The Theory

Davies presents his theory about the strategic value of the Frisian coast and recounts how Dollmann tried to drown him.

IX: I Sign Articles

Confesses his earlier deception about the duck-hunting trip; outlines his plan to return to Norderney via the Kiel Canal to investigate Dollmann.

His Chance

Davies passionately discusses German naval ambitions and British unpreparedness, reveals his failed attempt to join the navy, and expresses his patriotic desire to serve through this 'chance'.

XI: The Pathfinders

Leaves to fetch oil and bread, returns to navigate the flotilla, explains the shortcut and Sticker's Gat, and executes kedging-off after grounding.

My Initiation

Davies confidently navigates the Dulcibella through the sandbanks, explains the watershed concept, and leads the exploration of the sands at low water.

XIII: The Meaning of Our Work

Davies persists in his theory about the channels, demonstrates supreme aptitude and intuition in navigating the sands, and passionately argues for the strategic importance of small boats in shallow waters.

The First Night in the Islands

Davies goes ashore to fetch supplies, leaving Carruthers aboard. Upon return, he analyzes the prowler incident and discusses countermeasures with Carruthers.

Bensersiel

Identifies the gunboat Blitz, handles the yacht during the storm, and makes the decision to run for Bensersiel.

Commander von Brüning

Struggles with German and lies about his earlier cruise with Dollmann; his genuine passion for sailing is evident.

Clearing the Air

Struggles with his feelings for Clara Dollmann and the conflict between love and patriotism; admits his affection and his hope to avoid close contact with the Dollmanns.

Imperial Escort

Focused and practical, preparing the yacht for sea; finds contentment and resolve in the maritime environment.

XIX: The Rubicon

Trembles upon sighting the Medusa's dinghy, decides to visit Norderney, and is deeply affected by Fräulein Dollmann's presence.

The Little Drab Book

Discovers the little drab book and identifies Dollmann as the author; reveals his love for Clara and his determination to reconcile his passions for her and his country.

Blindfold to Memmert

Davies leads the daring navigation through the fog, using his expertise in tides and channels to guide the dinghy to Memmert.

The Quartet

Remains in the dinghy, provides compass and chart, agrees to Carruthers landing alone, waits anxiously.

A Change of Tactics

Returns to the yacht with Carruthers, discusses the clues, and initially resists changing their plan.

Finesse

Struggles through the dinner, eating little and drinking nothing; makes a clumsy advance to Fräulein Dollmann and later draws a diagram with breadcrumbs under Böhme's scrutiny.

XXV: I Double Back

Seen briefly at departure; gives Carruthers a scrap of paper with notes on the journey and theories.

The Seven Siels

Mentioned as longed-for help in reckoning the tide.

The Luck of the Stowaway

Mentioned as Carruthers's partner; Carruthers longs to rejoin him and reflects on Davies's tutelage.

We Achieve Our Double Aim

Reunites with Carruthers; helps confront Dollmann and navigates the escape.

Epilogue

Mentioned as 'Davies' whose views on the channel theory are endorsed as sound.